Indigenous leader honoured at Deadlys calls for end to NT intervention

TIM PALMER: A prominent Indigenous leader has appealed to Tony Abbott to scrap the so-called ‘intervention’ in the Northern Territory. Retired magistrate Pat O’Shane says the Howard-era policy is a human rights failure and must end.

Last night, Ms O’Shane was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Deadlys, the annual Indigenous awards ceremony.

Peter Lloyd began by asking Pat O’Shane about that honour.

PAT O’SHANE: I was very proud and honoured. It was a total surprise to me. I had no idea.

PETER LLOYD: With the ascension of Tony Abbott to the prime-ministership and his commitment to Aboriginal and Indigenous affairs, what priorities would you like to see him focusing on?

PAT O’SHANE: Get rid of the intervention in the Northern Territory. And the health conditions still have to be tackled in a meaningful way, that is; properly planned, properly resourced, and given his full backing.